Ford 9N Overview

The Ford 9N is the early Ford-Ferguson tractor in the N-series line. It uses a 119.7 cu in gasoline four-cylinder, a Ferguson-system three-point hitch, and a transmission-driven rear PTO.
Nebraska Test 339 covers a Ford 9N tested in April 1940. It is the right test report for 9N power figures, while 2N and 8N results should stay with those models.
Treat 9N, 2N, and 8N references as overlapping but not interchangeable. New Holland's 9N parts catalog is labeled 01/39-12/41, while common spec rows list 1939-1942 production, so serial range and parts applicability matter around the 9N/2N changeover.
- Ford-Ferguson 9N
Ford 9N Quick Answers
- Production yearsMost published model rows place the Ford 9N in 1939-1942. New Holland's 9N parts catalog is labeled 01/39-12/41, so confirm serial and parts coverage near the 9N/2N changeover.
- EngineThe 9N used a 119.7 cu in (2.0 L) Ford gasoline four-cylinder. Published engine rows also list a lower-compression distillate 9NAN variant, so match the fuel setup before comparing engine data.
- PowerOfficial Nebraska Test 339 recorded 16.31 observed maximum drawbar hp and 23.56 observed maximum belt hp. The report's former ASAE/SAE rating figures were 12.68 drawbar hp and 20.29 belt hp.
- PTO and hitchThe 9N is listed with a 545 rpm rear PTO, a 1.125-inch shaft, and a Category 1 rear hitch. Ford owner literature also describes a 1.375-inch ASAE PTO adapter, so verify the shaft and adapter before matching implements.
- Service capacityThe owner manual lists 6 quarts for engine oil, 12 quarts for coolant, and 5 gallons for the shared transmission, hydraulic mechanism, and differential oil.
- WeightDimension rows list 2,140 lb shipping weight and 2,900 lb operating weight; Nebraska Test 339 weighed its tested tractor at 3,376 lb with operator.
Engine and Power
The Ford 9N uses a 119.7 cu in (2.0 L) gasoline L-head four-cylinder. Nebraska Test 339 tested a 9N serial 12840 in April 1940 and recorded 16.31 observed maximum drawbar hp and 23.56 observed maximum belt hp. The report also lists 12.68 drawbar hp and 20.29 belt hp as the former ASAE/SAE rating figures.
Gasoline engine
Ford / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled inline
| Displacement | 119.7 ci 2.0 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.188x3.75 inches 81 x 95 mm |
| Air Cleaner | oil bath |
| Compression | 6.0 : 1 |
| Rated Rpm | 2000 |
| Torque | 84 lb-ft 113.9 Nm |
| Torque Rpm | 1500 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Coolant Capacity | 12 qts 11.4 L |
| Sparkplug Gap | 0.025 inches 0.635 mm |
| Point Gap | 0.015 inches 0.381 mm |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.015 inches * Cold 0.381 mm |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.015 inches * Cold 0.381 mm |
Engine option 2
Ford / distillate / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled / The distillate engine was used on the 9NAN variation, power is about 10% lower than on the 9N.
| Displacement | 119.7 ci 2.0 L |
|---|---|
| Bore Stroke | 3.188x3.75 inches 81 x 95 mm |
| Compression | 4.75 : 1 |
| Rated Rpm | 2000 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
Manufacturer
Manufacture years
PTO and Hitch
The 9N uses a transmission-driven rear PTO and a Category 1 rear hitch. The current PTO row lists a 545 rpm, 1.125-inch shaft, while Ford owner literature describes a 1.375-inch ASAE PTO adapter. Check the actual shaft, adapter, and implement driveline before treating either size as universal.
Rear PTO
Rear PTO type
Rear hitch
Rear lift
Fluids, Battery, and Service Facts
The Ford 9N/2N owner manual lists 6 qt engine-oil capacity, 12 qt coolant capacity, a 6-volt battery and generator, Champion H-10 spark plugs gapped 0.024-0.029 in, and breaker points at 0.015 in. Its period oil chart calls for SAE 30 above 90 F, SAE 20 from 32 F to 90 F, SAE 20W from 10 F to 32 F, and SAE 10W from -10 F to 10 F; the transmission, hydraulic mechanism, and differential share 5 gallons of straight mineral oil, SAE 90 above freezing or SAE 80 below freezing.
Fuel tank
Engine oil capacity
Battery volts
Battery Ah
Tires and Dimensions
Tire and dimension values can vary by wheel, axle, and configuration.
Wheelbase
Weight
Length
Width
Height
Front tire
Rear tire
Ag front
Ag rear
Electrical
Electrical rows are included when documented.
Ground
Charging system
Charging amps
Battery volts
Serial Number Lookup
Serial-number rows help identify a Ford 9N by model year. The 9N/2N boundary deserves extra care: New Holland labels its 9N online parts catalog as 01/39-12/41, and related N-series manuals or catalogs may cover more than one model.
1939
1940
1941
1942
Manuals and Documents
These references cover Ford 9N operation, service categories, parts diagrams, official New Holland parts coverage, and Nebraska Test 339 power context.
Match coverage carefully before relying on a document for service decisions, especially when one manual or catalog covers several N-series models, serial ranges, PTO adapters, or tractor variants.
Tractor test report
- Nebraska Test 339: Ford 9Ntested performance
Official Nebraska tractor test report page for the Ford 9N, including observed and calculated drawbar and belt horsepower figures.
Open test report
Manual
- Ford 9N and 2N owners manualoperation, lubrication, routine service, specifications
Owner manual source for Ford 9N/2N operation, lubrication, routine service, electrical, fuel, cooling, PTO, hydraulic, and specification notes.
Open manual PDF
Service manual
- Ford 9N/2N service manual (1943)operation, lubrication, engine specifications, transmission details
Service manual for the Ford Tractor with Ferguson System, useful for 9N/2N service categories, lubrication, PTO, hydraulics, electrical, and repair context.
Open manual PDF - Ford 9N/2N/8N shop manualengine specifications, transmission details
Shop manual source for major service categories and repair specifications across the Ford 9N, 2N, and 8N family.
Open manual PDF
Parts catalog
- Ford 9N/2N/8N parts catalog (1947)parts catalog, parts matching
Parts-catalog source for Ford N-series assemblies, serial/model applicability, and parts matching.
Open catalog PDF - New Holland 9N parts catalogparts catalog, parts matching, serial range, parts system categories
Official New Holland catalog page for the 9N Ford 4 Cyl Ag Tractor, 01/39-12/41, with major system groups for parts matching.
Open parts catalog
Parts Checks Before Ordering
Do not order Ford 9N parts from the model name alone. Match parts to the tractor's serial range, 9N/2N/8N family applicability, 6-volt electrical setup, ignition details, PTO shaft or adapter, hydraulic-pump relation, and hitch or implement setup before selecting service parts.
New Holland's parts catalog lists the 9N as a Ford 4 Cyl Ag Tractor for 01/39-12/41 and separates parts by major systems. Belts, filters, electrical parts, clutch and PTO components, and hydraulic parts still need catalog or supplier confirmation before a part number becomes a recommendation.
Accuracy Note
Tractor specifications can vary by year, region, factory configuration, installed equipment, and later repairs. Match serial range, engine, transmission, PTO setup, and model code before ordering parts or doing service work.